WTVM.com and WTVM News Leader 9, Columbus, GA | Shaw Softball Pitcher Gives Back To the Community

Shaw Softball Pitcher Gives Back To the Community

September 26th, 2008

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM)-For Shaw Senior Misha Aldridge, softball has many meanings.

"I always grew up around softball. I even took my first steps on the softball field," said Aldridge.

For one, it's her passion.

With two full ride college scholarships already on the table, she still makes time to play on her high school and travel teams.

It is her work with the community group Girls Inc. that really sets this star pitcher apart from the rest.

"My dad stressed to me about how important it is to show other girls about how important softball is and what it can lead you to," said Aldridge

So during the season, several times a week, Misha volunteers her time, trying to get girls off the streets and instead interested in the game she loves.

On the south side of town, there aren't the best neighborhoods. They see someone in their family go to jail, be on drugs, but softball can be their outlet, where they can have fun and be themselves," said Aldridge.

Misha got much of her love for community service from her parents, Deborah and Terrell.

The couple was instrumental in lobbying to get Shirley B. Winston park built years ago.

Even with the death of Misha's mother five years ago to cancer, the 18 year old still continues her parent's vision of helping others to this day.

"Being able to do it all with the loss of her mom, and keep going from there, that's the biggest piece. Most kids would lay down, but she didn't. Life throws you a curve ball, you just keep going," said Terell Aldridge, Misha's dad.